Friday, 23 October 2015

This post is bang up to the elephant (that's perfect to those of you who don't speak Victorian English)

Last month, my mum, nan, and I went up north and visited the Beamish living museum. It's a fantastic open air museum made up of villages, houses, and shops from the 1820s right up to the 1940s. We only got round the 1900s town (which is my favourite part anyway, as I the Victorian era is my all time favourite time period) while we were there, so a return visit - or three - is in order.This time, I was actually happy with how the natural lighting turned out. I felt it was atmospheric and very fitting for the Victorian setting. I also wasn't really sure if flash photography was allowed, so I made my aperture as large as my camera allowed and rolled with it. These are some of my favourite shots from the day.

Friday, 16 October 2015

“Riley Vasquez is haunted by the brutal murder of the couple she was babysitting for.Max Cross is suffering under the shadow of a life-altering diagnosis he doesn’t dare reveal.The last thing either of them wants is to spend a weekend away at a therapy camp alongside five other teens with “issues.” But that’s exactly where they are when three masked men burst in to take the group hostage.The building has no windows. The exits are sealed shut. Their phones are gone. And their captors are on a killing spree.Riley and Max know that if they can’t get out, they’ll be next—but they’re about to discover that even escape doesn’t equal freedom.”A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through the Atom review scheme. This in no way influenced my thoughts. Riley Vasquez, the girl who witnessed a double murder, has been sent to a therapy weekend to help her anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Or at least that was the idea… She’s barely introduced herself before all hell breaks loose.Riley was an instantly intriguing character. The fencing daughter of a dead cop, she has a logical, no nonsense attitude. Well, she did until she experienced the trauma that turned her into a timid little mouse, a fact which she hates. I took a liking to her within a few pages, and from her introduction and the description of the incident I thought she was realistic and well rounded.There was also quite a range within the supporting characters: Brienne, Max, Aaron, Maria, and all the others. I liked it as everyone had a sense of themselves and no one felt like a copy of someone else. Max and Riley made an excellent team as they evaded their captors, and both felt as if a lot of research had gone into creating them – especially when it came to their diagnoses. I especially enjoyed learning about Max’s past in his chapters, which were written in a totally different way to anything else I’ve read.The mystery and uncertainty surrounding what actually happened in the warehouse was thrilling. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t see where any of the twists and turns were leading. As soon as you learnt one thing you were lead in the opposite direction.Kelley Armstrong managed to weave a thrilling tale full of lies and deceit and unreliability, yet still give her characters the ending they deserved. A truly stunning read that everyone should pick up.

Friday, 9 October 2015

Thank you to Emily over at Paperback Princess for nominating me for this award! I won't be tagging anyone or writing my own questions, but if anyone else does this award I'd be interested to see your answers!

The RulesAnswer the 11 questions provided for you.Nominate other bloggers.Ask them 11 questions of your own.

Friday, 2 October 2015

It's no secret that I'm a paperback person. I own primarily paperbacks and I prefer to read them as well. Hardbacks are pretty, there's no denying that, but they're expensive. And far too heavy for my poor noodle arms.

Welcome to Bookmarks and Blogging: the home of all things - well, most things - bookish. Mainly, it's the home to the rambling posts of a twenty year old bookworm who wants to share her thoughts and interests with something other than the four walls of her bedroom.